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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

I don't usually write personal blog posts, but I was compelled not only to write this down, but to share it. I am a typically private person, so it's a little weird for me to post even the most tasteful breastfeeding portrait. That being said, I thought it was worth it to encourage other parents out there to take photos of themselves interacting with their children in the mundane moments- the ones you don't often think about in one season of life, but miss terribly in another season.

Last night was the first night in my baby girl's 5 months of life that I didn't go in and nurse her in the middle of the night before I slipped off to bed. (We call this the "dream feed" because babies usually sleep right through it.) Over the past few weeks, when I would go into her room in those wee hours, she would get more and more squirmy, irritable, and seemingly annoyed at the interruption in her sleep. So, two weeks ago, I asked my husband to come down there with me and take photos of me nursing our daughter, so I could remember those sweet times later, once they were behind us. I am SO, SO, SO, glad that I thought to do that.

When, two nights ago, my daughter woke up entirely and began looking around during the "dream feed," I knew those times were officially over. I came upstairs after laying her down and told my husband, "Well, I think that was the last nighttime feeding." It would appear that (barring sickness, or teething, or nightmares) I was right. I am a person who really likes having my nights to myself, so I was surprised at how sad I felt about the end of that little era. Most of the time, when we have "lasts" with our children, we don't realize it until afterward. That's why I consider myself so blessed to have the photos that you'll see below. I was so busy moving on to the next thing, the next phase, etc. with my older children, that I didn't really savor these quiet, mundane moments with them. People savor and remember moments in all kinds of ways- journaling, keeping mementos, scrapbooking, and more. But my way of capturing moments and seasons is (as you might guess) to take photos of them.

I am so grateful to my husband for being willing to take these photos for me and for our daughter. I know I will treasure them for years to come. And for all those nights that I wished I didn't have to interrupt whatever I was doing to go downstairs and nurse this little baby- I am glad for the glimmer of foresight I got that one night two weeks ago, to document this mundane, quiet, boring, sweet, beautiful, dreamy ritual we called the dream feed. I hope that (whatever that ritual is for you) you can go out and do the same!

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Last month, I had the privilege of meeting and working with Chaz, a senior who was hoping for senior photos that looked good and matched his laid-back style- nothing too fancy. Despite the fact that when his Mom first called me, I made the mistake of talking to her while chopping vegetables, and I ended up chopping my thumb instead, we booked our session for a beautiful clear day in October. Apparently that little incident didn't deter her. (I like clients who don't scare too easily- ha!)

We chose one of my all-time favorite locations, Chambers Bay in University Place, and the weather was lovely! It was a little brisk, but the sky and the sun were perfect. Chaz has a great sense of style and was a good sport, enduring all my crazy ideas for photos, including standing atop a really large stump on the beach.

Scroll down and take a look for yourself!

He's ready for his modeling career, right? Can't beat the industrial-cool look of 70 year-old concrete against a snazzy shirt and sweater.

Chaz has a great natural smile, which I really appreciated!

The sunlight over this grassy hill was just beautiful.

We ventured down to the waterfront for some shots, too. Lot's of interesting driftwood to choose from for framing.

Skipping rocks. Doesn't matter if you're 18 months or 18 years, it still makes for a fun photo!

This was one of my crazy ideas. But he pulled it off so well!

Well, thanks for looking, everybody! I was glad to meet and work with Chaz, and now you've met him (sort of), too! He's definitely got great things ahead of him, and I hope he and his family treasure these portraits long after he's graduated!

Monday, November 9, 2015

As I drove down the freeway to photograph this lovely family in their home, and the clouds grew darker and darker, I was grateful that most of our session was set to be shot indoors. Rain is usually the enemy of a photo shoot. But sometimes, it forces more creativity and provides a touch of extra personality to the photos. And in the Pacific Northwest, it's really just a fact of life. It should have come as no surprise to me, then, that the rain ended up featuring nicely in our shoot. From rain puddles and wet umbrellas to post-rain sun breaks and a saturated landscape, the weather left its own special mark on our morning, and I'm glad that it did!

My session with this family of five was part newborn shoot, part family shoot, so we started indoors with the newest member of the family, sweet little Ezra. He was a great baby, and gave me a good mix of awake and asleep shots- even letting me arrange him in this vintage blue nightcase (which I'd been eager to use in a newborn session for months!). By the time he needed a bit of a break, the timing was perfect for some shots of him being comforted by his Krista and Nicholas (a.k.a. Mommy and Daddy). I always love these photos, because they are candid, but utterly predictable when photographing newborns, and they capture the essence of life in those early, hazy days.

As strange as it may sound, arranging group photos with the whole family is easier with a new baby in the picture (pun intended). Babies are a sweet and interesting focal point- not just for the camera, but for siblings and Mom and Dad, too! When Ezra's two big brothers got a little squirmy, all I had to do was ask them to look at their new baby brother, or give him a kiss, and they gave me pure photographic gold. (Scroll down and you'll see what I mean!)

The last part of our session was spent outdoors with Dad and the two older boys, Judah and Gideon. The rain had let up, and the sun was breaking through. I've noticed the sun always seems brightest right after a hard rain- probably because it's reflecting on all the puddles and droplets that have just been left everywhere. The same was true on this day, as we walked down a little nature trail near their house. The boys were full of energy and adorable smiles, and were very willing to follow my instructions to pick up sticks and leaves, and jump in puddles (of course!).

Take a look through the photos below and meet this beautiful family, on this beautiful rainy day! (Oh, and be sure to click on the photos to see them larger in a slideshow!)

Look at those sweet baby feet, held just so...

The vintage night case! My little old neighbor lady would be pleased, I think. ;)

Baby fingers! I love baby-landscapes. :)

I love capturing these Mom & Dad "couple" moments.

Cheer up little man, you're in good hands.

See what I mean about that gorgeous light?

One of my faves. So full of wonder!

Who could resist?

Brothers. They look so proud!

A little candid shot. What a blessed Mama to have such sweet boys!

Everybody loves a baby! :)

Aren't they wonderful? And just think of all the fun this family has coming up, with three wonderful boys to love and raise. Keep up the good work, you guys! Thanks for looking, and stay tuned for more lovely sessions coming up!

About Me

Hi, I'm Kathryn, the owner of Camellia Images and the smitten Mama of Milo, my brainy boy, and Enora, my smiley girl. Before they came along, Camellia Images was my baby. Now that I have two real babies, I have the honor of caring for all three- that's where the fun begins!
Join me as I photograph kids and families- both my own, and others'! I'm honored to capture the memories, joys, and milestones of families big and small.

So, you want to know more about Camellia Images?

I started Camellia Images in honor of my Grandmother, Camille, a small-time poet and entrepreneur in the 1950’s and 60’s. Even though she lived in the bustling heart of Southern California, her art reflected the earthy wisdom of the central plains of her youth. She pursued her dream with strength and diligence, and left behind much more than just a handful of beautiful poems. It is my goal today to carry on that tradition of creative vision and persistence through photography in all its forms. Through Camellia Images, I provide professional photography services as beautiful as they are memorable at a cost that's fair and affordable. My photos don’t just document a day in history, but reflect the style and personality of my clients.